Hokie ClubASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – The best 65-kilogram wrestler in the world hails from Blacksburg by way of Johnstown, PA and his name is Bo Bassett. The freshman phenom has yet to don the Virginia Tech singlet but has already started to make history as a Hokie – winning the 65-kilogram bracket of the 2026 Wrestling Championships to become the program’s first senior-level world champion and the first American to win the weight class since 2006.
Best in the World
After an undefeated opening day, the Hokie met Armenia’s world champion, four-time world medalist, and two-time Olympian Vazgen Tevanyan in the finals on Friday, October 30 to determine the king of 65-kilograms. It was a signature Bo Bassett performance from the starting whistle – persistent, relentless hand fight and becoming a moving target. Tevanyan struck first with a step out point but that would be the only score he’d score as it became the Bassett show with a score in short time before the first period ended to lead 2-1. After the break, it was more Bassett pace adding two successive takedowns to led 6-1. With frustration setting in, Tevanyan was admonished for a wild swing to increase Bassett’s lead to 7-1. Bassett added a swing single for insurance and to ultimately hold the score 9-1 and be crowned king of 65-kilograms.